Who Gets MS? Understanding the Patterns

Have you ever wondered who gets MS and why? I know I did—especially after Cir was diagnosed. And when we recalled that an earlier doctor had said he couldn’t possibly have MS because he was African American and male, it was clear that he was very wrong.

The truth is, MS doesn’t discriminate, but certain patterns do emerge when researchers study who is most likely to develop the disease. Scientists have spent decades trying to answer this question, and while we don’t have all the answers, we do, in fact, have some pretty solid clues.

So, let’s dive into what we do know about who gets MS—and why some people seem to be more at risk than others.

Who Figures This Stuff Out?

The people who study patterns of disease are called epidemiologists. They look at factors like gender, genetics, age, geography, and ethnic background to determine who is most likely to develop multiple sclerosis. When they gather data from all over the world, certain trends start to emerge.

But here’s the thing—while these patterns help us understand risk factors, they don’t necessarily explain the cause of MS. Just because someone fits the profile doesn’t mean they’ll develop the disease, and just because someone doesn’t fit the profile doesn’t mean they won’t.

That’s why MS still remains a mystery—but one we’re hopefully getting closer to solving.

How Many People Have MS?

Let’s talk numbers.

• In the United States, around 1 million people are living with MS.
• Worldwide, that number jumps to about 2.8 million.
• Every week, around 200 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with MS.

But here’s the catch—there are probably more people with MS than we realize.

Some people have mild symptoms that they never get checked out. They might think their fatigue, tingling, or occasional dizziness is just stress or nerves, and they never go to the doctor. These individuals may have lesions in their central nervous system (CNS), but unless they get an MRI, they’d never know.

This is sometimes called “silent” MS—cases where the disease is present but undiagnosed. In fact, some people aren’t officially diagnosed until after their death, when an autopsy reveals MS-related damage in their brain and spinal cord.

What Age Do People Get MS?

Another big question people ask is “How old are most people when they get MS?”

The average age of diagnosis is between 20 and 40 years old. This is a particularly tough time to be diagnosed because it’s when most people are starting careers, building families, and planning their futures. MS can throw a wrench into all of that, making it especially challenging to adjust.

But MS doesn’t always follow the rules.

• Some people remember having symptoms in childhood or their teenage years.
• Pediatric MS is rare, but it’s becoming more recognized as doctors learn to identify early signs.
• It’s very uncommon for MS symptoms to appear before age 10 or after age 50, but it does happen.

Looking at averages, the age of onset is around 28 for men and slightly younger for women. The average age of diagnosis is 33. Cir was diagnosed at 34, so he fits right into that statistic. He did, however, have some of his first symptoms around the age of 16, which doesn't fit with the statistics.

Does Gender Play a Role in Who Gets MS?

Yes! MS is three times more common in women than in men.

Why? Scientists believe hormones might play a role. Estrogen and progesterone could influence the immune system, making women more susceptible to autoimmune diseases like MS.

Interestingly, men who do get MS often experience a more aggressive form of the disease. While women are more likely to develop MS, men tend to have faster progression and more severe symptoms.

Does Race Matter?

For a long time, MS was thought to be most common in white populations, particularly those with Northern European ancestry. But recent research has shown that African American women actually have a higher risk of developing MS than previously believed.

MS does occur in all racial and ethnic groups, but the way it affects people can vary. Studies suggest that Black individuals with MS may experience:

• More aggressive disease progression
• More frequent relapses
• Earlier disability

This is why representation in MS research is so important—because understanding how MS affects different populations helps doctors develop better treatments for everyone.

Does Geography Matter?

Yes! MS is more common in places farther from the equator.

Why? Scientists believe sunlight exposure plays a role. Since sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, and vitamin D supports immune health, lower levels of vitamin D might increase the risk of developing MS.

This is why MS rates are higher in North America and Europe and lower in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Final Thoughts: MS Doesn’t Follow the Rules

So, who gets MS? The answer is complicated.

While certain patterns exist—like age, gender, race, and geography—MS doesn’t always stick to the script. Some people defy the statistics, while others fit right into them.

The most important thing? Awareness and early diagnosis. The more we understand MS, the better we can treat it, manage it, and eventually cure it.

Want to learn more? Check out Who Gets MS – Part 2 or Part 3 for even deeper insights! And WebMD has a great article about it as well. (Link will open in a new window).

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